Senior Test Engineer - Propulsion | Motors R&D

The propulsion test engineer serves as a technical leader responsible for the development and execution of comprehensive test programs for aircraft electric motor systems. This role owns the measurement infrastructure that enables propulsion system validation from sensor selection and signal conditioning through data acquisition architecture and analysis pipelines. The test engineer will partner with multiple teams to define instrumentation requirements, ensure measurement quality and traceability, and drive continuous improvement of test capabilities. This individual will mentor junior engineers and serve as a subject matter expert on propulsion test instrumentation and data systems. Engineers with a background or  interest in aviation may also have the chance to participate in propulsion-focused flight test- this is an exciting opportunity to help us revolutionize flight.

How you will contribute to revolutionizing electric aviation:

• Lead the design and integration of instrumentation systems for propulsion test stands, including sensor selection, signal conditioning, and data acquisition architecture
• Own measurement quality: establish calibration procedures, quantify uncertainty, and ensure traceability
• Select and integrate sensors for mechanical, thermal, and electrical measurements in electrically noisy environments
• Build and maintain data pipelines for test data ingestion, processing, and visualization
• Partner with propulsion engineers to translate validation requirements into instrumentation specifications
• Drive root cause analysis of measurement anomalies and data quality issues
• Author test procedures and certification documentation to support FAA/regulatory compliance
• Mentor junior engineers and evaluate new test equipment and sensors

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field; or equivalent experience
• 5+ years of experience in test engineering with emphasis on instrumentation and measurement systems
• Expertise with mechanical and thermal sensors: torque transducers, load cells, strain gauges, accelerometers, thermocouples, RTDs
• Proficiency with data acquisition platforms (NI DAQ, HBK, or similar) and signal conditioning principles
• Experience with shielding and wiring practices for measurement quality
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, or LabVIEW for test automation and data analysis
• Strong technical communication skills; experience authoring formal test reports
• Well organized, communicative, disciplined team player with strong attention to detail. Ability to work with minimal supervision and identify strategies to remove roadblocks is paramount. Mental flexibility and the ability to change direction based on new information is an absolute must in our fast paced environment

Above and Beyond Qualifications:

• Experience with aerospace testing and certification documentation (DO-160, Part 33)
• Background in rotating machinery testing: dynamometers, torque measurement, vibration analysis
• Experience with high-bandwidth electrical measurements: power analyzers, isolated voltage/current sensing
• Knowledge of calibration laboratory practices and standards (ISO 17025, NIST traceability)
• Experience with environmental testing instrumentation: thermal chambers, altitude simulation, vibration tables
• Prior experience in aviation, aerospace, or automotive test programs

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. The work environment may require a combination of indoor and outdoor activities (hot, cold, wet, humid conditions) with a varied amount of walking, standing, sitting, climbing (i.e. ladders, stairs), balance (maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling when walking, standing, or crouching on narrow, slippery surfaces), bending, reaching, handling (seizing, holding, grasping, turning, picking, punching), stooping, kneeling, crouching and ability to lift/carry/push/pull up to 50 pounds. Work may require the ability to operate material handling equipment (forklift, pallet jack, etc.) in a safe manner. While performing the duties of this job, employees may work around variable noise levels or with fume or airborne particles, hazardous chemicals, etc. requiring the use of personal protective equipment such as face protection (safety glasses, goggles, face shield, respirators), gloves, and hearing protection. Work duties may also be required to work in a standard office setting and to use standard office equipment, including a computer and/or the ability to travel by air or automobile. This position may be expected to work varying shifts and hours to ensure successful operation of activities in the organization. Some positions entail working with small parts/components. Employees must have excellent hand-eye coordination and good manual dexterity in both hands. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.